FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[FormerCard]

Wheaton's 2009 class was just posted:

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2009/6/10/FB_0610090527.aspx?path=football

Is this an unusually small recruiting class for Wheaton?  Looks small to me.

I would say it's about average.  Wheaton almost always has the smallest class in the CCIW. 

The largest recruiting class in the Bishop/Swider era (25 years) was a couple of years ago.  I believe it was a class of 38 players? 

We won't bore all those on this board as to why Wheaton's recruit number are typically in the 30's, since it has been discussed virtually every year.  This is a very typical year - number of players in the class in the 30's, from all over the US, etc...

For the Thunder, it seems unusual to have more WWS recruits than Wheaton North, isnt it?  3-2 this year.

[Mugsy]

Wheaton's 2009 class was just posted:

http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2009/6/10/FB_0610090527.aspx?path=football

Is this an unusually small recruiting class for Wheaton?  Looks small to me.

I would say it's about average.  Wheaton almost always has the smallest class in the CCIW. 

The largest recruiting class in the Bishop/Swider era (25 years) was a couple of years ago.  I believe it was a class of 38 players? 

We won't bore all those on this board as to why Wheaton's recruit number are typically in the 30's, since it has been discussed virtually every year.  This is a very typical year - number of players in the class in the 30's, from all over the US, etc...

For the Thunder, it seems unusual to have more WWS recruits than Wheaton North, isnt it?  3-2 this year.

Ebbs & flows... 80's it was almost all Wheaton North.  90's it was predominately Wheaton Central.  Last few it was more Wheaton North...

[HoosierRedMan]

The weather is lousy, so I thought I would pose the question of how the conference will shake out this season.
North Central is loaded and has to be the favorite, but how do the others stand up.  I know Carthage has 16 starters returning.  So they should improve on last sesons 5 and 5 record.

[usee]

My too early prediction for the CCIW race (based on who is coming back and minimal research):

1-NCC-if this isn't their year, when is?
2-Wheaton-some holes on defense but I suspect more of a reload than rebuild year
3-Carthage-10 of 11 starters on offense are back, 7 of 11 on defense. They need to be better on D
4-Augie-they have 4 of 5 Olinemen returning and 5 of 7 on the defensive front but skill players on offense are a question
5-IWU-20 starters are back and they played in Europe together--they could surprise
6-Elmhurst-this is the tough year for Lester. Loses a lot but with Randy Wright, a better finish is possible.
7-Millikin-the cupboard is bare in Decatur. Not sure what's keeping a great coach there.
8-NPU-Some good skill guys are back but in the end they still need better players up front. Could get their first CCIW win.

[matblake]

Here's mine based on no research:

1. North Central-gotta be the favorite. 
2. Wheaton-their consistency at the top keeps them there
3. IWU-my snake in the grass pick
4. Carthage-will knock off one of the top 3
5. Augie-will be in every game
6. Elmhurst-sometimes the second year is tougher than the first
7. Millikin-know nothing about the Big Blue
8. North Park-will this be the year of a CCIW win?

[oldnuthin]

My too early prediction for the CCIW race (based on who is coming back and minimal research):

1-NCC-if this isn't their year, when is?
2-Wheaton-some holes on defense but I suspect more of a reload than rebuild year
3-Carthage-10 of 11 starters on offense are back, 7 of 11 on defense. They need to be better on D
4-Augie-they have 4 of 5 Olinemen returning and 5 of 7 on the defensive front but skill players on offense are a question
5-IWU-20 starters are back and they played in Europe together--they could surprise
6-Elmhurst-this is the tough year for Lester. Loses a lot but with Randy Wright, a better finish is possible.
7-Millikin-the cupboard is bare in Decatur. Not sure what's keeping a great coach there.
8-NPU-Some good skill guys are back but in the end they still need better players up front. Could get their first CCIW win.

I like your analysis, and have a couple of questions as my nephew has committed to Millikin. Its great to hear that you have such a high opinion of coach Neigbur but why is the cupboard bare? The seem to have a decent if not above average defense, and my understanding is they have a large, over 50, freshman class coming in not that one has anything to do with the other, just the facts that i have about the program. Also my nephew says that NCC has lost some quality starters on the defense from last year with the total number being around 15 lost from the whole team. Stream of conscience i know, but its what i have left after too many concussions

[Mugsy]

My too early prediction for the CCIW race (based on who is coming back and minimal research):

1-NCC-if this isn't their year, when is?
2-Wheaton-some holes on defense but I suspect more of a reload than rebuild year
3-Carthage-10 of 11 starters on offense are back, 7 of 11 on defense. They need to be better on D
4-Augie-they have 4 of 5 Olinemen returning and 5 of 7 on the defensive front but skill players on offense are a question
5-IWU-20 starters are back and they played in Europe together--they could surprise
6-Elmhurst-this is the tough year for Lester. Loses a lot but with Randy Wright, a better finish is possible.
7-Millikin-the cupboard is bare in Decatur. Not sure what's keeping a great coach there.
8-NPU-Some good skill guys are back but in the end they still need better players up front. Could get their first CCIW win.

I like your analysis, and have a couple of questions as my nephew has committed to Millikin. Its great to hear that you have such a high opinion of coach Neigbur but why is the cupboard bare? The seem to have a decent if not above average defense, and my understanding is they have a large, over 50, freshman class coming in not that one has anything to do with the other, just the facts that i have about the program. Also my nephew says that NCC has lost some quality starters on the defense from last year with the total number being around 15 lost from the whole team. Stream of conscience i know, but its what i have left after too many concussions

I'll let the NCC faithful or USee respond with details about NCC's returners from 08, as I am in critical mode at work (12-19 hour work days).  NCC is not losing 15 starters from last year.  In fact it is quite the opposite.  They are absolutely LOADED for 09'.  They could have one of the best CCIW teams in years, if they stay healthy.

Millikin's recent teams have been a shadow of what they used to be.  Since the 2000 season where Millikin was a co-champion of the CCIW:

2001: 8-2
2002: 7-3
2003: 7-3
2004: 5-5
2005: 5-5
2006: 3-7
2007: 2-8
2008: 3-7

Definitely trending in the wrong direction.  The overall perception has been that Millikin has not been getting quite the same quality of player that they used too.  Several discussions over the past couple of years on this topic.  Some theories point to the surge in the NCC and Elmhurst programs, in addition to the on-going sustained programs at Augustana and Wheaton. Whatever the reason... Millikin has just not been the same program over the past 5-6 seasons.  50 incoming freshmen will not likely change that trend for 2009 - though they could depending on ability down the road.  As the saying goes... time will tell.

[usee]

OldNuthin,

NCC returns 10 starters on offense and 8 on defense from what I can tell. What's more important is they return 93% of their offensive production (with all 5 offensive linemen back) and 70-75% of their defensive production (measured by tackles, sacks, tfl, and int). While replacing Treglown, Swanson and Venier won't be easy it will be soothed by the returning DPOY and OPOY.  In addition to having the best QB and LB in the conference they clearly have the best running back in Dominic Sulo, the best kicker in Barfiwoosky and that huge TE in Fiddlerontheroofkwicz. NCC was ranked #2 in the nation for the last half of the year and into the playoffs. I see no reason why they won't be as good or better than they were a year ago. Playmakers up and down the roster with more likely in waiting. It's not even a reload year for them, more like re-fire.

As far as Millikin, the legacy of the former AD hasnt' quite run its course in my opinion. Joe Hakes has things headed in the right direction it appears but you don't cure years of neglect in a couple seasons. Doug Neihbur lost some great assistants and clearly a good portion of his budget. Millikin simply hasn't been getting good players and it has showed on the field. If the incoming 50 is the result of a renewed effort to give the fb team needed resources then we will see it on the field but not in 09. Neihbur is one of the classiest coaches in D3 and Millikin was one of the most successful in the 80's and 90's. They need better players and coaches to get back to that level.

[Titan Q]

Big news for Millikin...

http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2009/06/17/sports/millikin/1041886.txt


Hockaday was a stud QB at M-F and should step in and make a quick impact for the Big Blue.

[oldnuthin]

My too early prediction for the CCIW race (based on who is coming back and minimal research):

1-NCC-if this isn't their year, when is?
2-Wheaton-some holes on defense but I suspect more of a reload than rebuild year
3-Carthage-10 of 11 starters on offense are back, 7 of 11 on defense. They need to be better on D
4-Augie-they have 4 of 5 Olinemen returning and 5 of 7 on the defensive front but skill players on offense are a question
5-IWU-20 starters are back and they played in Europe together--they could surprise
6-Elmhurst-this is the tough year for Lester. Loses a lot but with Randy Wright, a better finish is possible.
7-Millikin-the cupboard is bare in Decatur. Not sure what's keeping a great coach there.
8-NPU-Some good skill guys are back but in the end they still need better players up front. Could get their first CCIW win.

I like your analysis, and have a couple of questions as my nephew has committed to Millikin. Its great to hear that you have such a high opinion of coach Neigbur but why is the cupboard bare? The seem to have a decent if not above average defense, and my understanding is they have a large, over 50, freshman class coming in not that one has anything to do with the other, just the facts that i have about the program. Also my nephew says that NCC has lost some quality starters on the defense from last year with the total number being around 15 lost from the whole team. Stream of conscience i know, but its what i have left after too many concussions

I'll let the NCC faithful or USee respond with details about NCC's returners from 08, as I am in critical mode at work (12-19 hour work days).  NCC is not losing 15 starters from last year.  In fact it is quite the opposite.  They are absolutely LOADED for 09'.  They could have one of the best CCIW teams in years, if they stay healthy.

Millikin's recent teams have been a shadow of what they used to be.  Since the 2000 season where Millikin was a co-champion of the CCIW:

2001: 8-2
2002: 7-3
2003: 7-3
2004: 5-5
2005: 5-5
2006: 3-7
2007: 2-8
2008: 3-7

Definitely trending in the wrong direction.  The overall perception has been that Millikin has not been getting quite the same quality of player that they used too.  Several discussions over the past couple of years on this topic.  Some theories point to the surge in the NCC and Elmhurst programs, in addition to the on-going sustained programs at Augustana and Wheaton. Whatever the reason... Millikin has just not been the same program over the past 5-6 seasons.  50 incoming freshmen will not likely change that trend for 2009 - though they could depending on ability down the road.  As the saying goes... time will tell.

My apologies on my wording. Let me clarify 15 players from last yrars team did not return some of thise being starters on the defense, the line in particular.

[oldnuthin]

OldNuthin,

NCC returns 10 starters on offense and 8 on defense from what I can tell. What's more important is they return 93% of their offensive production (with all 5 offensive linemen back) and 70-75% of their defensive production (measured by tackles, sacks, tfl, and int). While replacing Treglown, Swanson and Venier won't be easy it will be soothed by the returning DPOY and OPOY.  In addition to having the best QB and LB in the conference they clearly have the best running back in Dominic Sulo, the best kicker in Barfiwoosky and that huge TE in Fiddlerontheroofkwicz. NCC was ranked #2 in the nation for the last half of the year and into the playoffs. I see no reason why they won't be as good or better than they were a year ago. Playmakers up and down the roster with more likely in waiting. It's not even a reload year for them, more like re-fire.

As far as Millikin, the legacy of the former AD hasnt' quite run its course in my opinion. Joe Hakes has things headed in the right direction it appears but you don't cure years of neglect in a couple seasons. Doug Neihbur lost some great assistants and clearly a good portion of his budget. Millikin simply hasn't been getting good players and it has showed on the field. If the incoming 50 is the result of a renewed effort to give the fb team needed resources then we will see it on the field but not in 09. Neihbur is one of the classiest coaches in D3 and Millikin was one of the most successful in the 80's and 90's. They need better players and coaches to get back to that level.

Thank you for your thoughts. I am in agreement on CoachNeigbur as a classy guy from my 2 meetings with him. Several of the assistants also once again i appreciate the history lesson

[CardinalAlum]

the best kicker in Barfiwoosky and that huge TE in Fiddlerontheroofkwicz. 

Huge props for the classic spit on the monitor moment!! 

[dansand]

Here's a list of Augie's football recruits that I know of so far. I haven't seen official confirmation on Pena, but Neuqua Valley's website shows him going to Augie.

Austin Acree, 6-2, 270, OL, Moline
Luke Anderson, 6-5, 215, LB, Lemont
Mike Anderson, 6-2, 225, FB-LB, Richmond-Burton
Robert Appell, 6-3, 225, OL-DL, Rockford Guilford
David Bajjalieh, 5-10, 195, LB, Palatine Fremd
Josh Behr, 5-11, 168, LB-RB, Highland Park
Kevin Bell, 6-4, 180, WR Morris
Chris Brown, 5-7, 180, RB, Plainfield South
Nick Chandler, 5-11, 190, LB-RB Clinton, IL
Aaron Cherry, 5-9, 200, LB-FB, Middleburg, FL
Luke Cohen, 6-0, 188, WR, Deerfield
Chad Collins, 6-3, 165, WR, Thornridge
Robby Connelly, 6-0, 235, G-DT, St. Louis, MO Bishop DeBourg
Bryan DeSomer, 6-2, 197, FB-LB-S, Lowell, IN
J.D. Draminski, 6-1, 200, RB-LB, Kewanee Wethersfield
Brian Duffy, 6-3, 305, OL-DL, Hononegah
Mike Filip, 5-11, 195, P-DE-LB-RB-WR, Neuqua Valley
Arnie Fitzwater, 6-2, 190, K, Waterford, WI
Mike Gyetvay, 6-0, 220, RB, Palatine Fremd
Erik Hansen, 6-0, 200, LB-TE, Elmhurst Immaculate Conception
Cody Heche, 5-10, 190, OG, Cary-Grove
Paul Hornstra, 5-11, 175, RB-DB, Elmhurst Immaculate Conception
Jeff Janusevic, 6-2, 205, QB-S, Rockford Guilford
Lukas Jepson, 5-11, 160, QB-DB-WR, Erie
Michael Kautz, 6-4, 245, OL-DL, Rock Island Alleman
Derek King, 6-1, 260, G-DT, Aledo-Westmer
Andrew Laing, 6-2, 185, QB-DB, Chariton, IA
Kevin Linde, 6-3, 255, DE-LB, Marian Catholic
Rob Mago, 5-10, 180, DB-LB, Cary-Grove
Zach McGinnis, 5-10, 185, DB-LB, New Trier
Marco Medina, 5-11, 240, OL-DL, Elmhurst Immaculate Conception
Jacob Meischner, 5-11, 180, FB-LB, Princeville
Andrew O'Reilly, 6-0, 220, OL-DL, Addison Driscoll
Devon Pace, 5-9, 150, K-DB, Byron
Andrew Palm, 5-10, 205, LB, Rock Island
George Papandreou, 6-1, 270, OL-DL, Waukegan
*Nate Pena, 5-9, 200, RB, Neuqua Valley
Patrick Rae, 6-0, 175, QB, South Elgin
Martin Resner, 6-3, 212, TE-WR, Oswego
Nick Rich, 5-11, 200, LB-RB, Jackson, WI Living Word Lutheran
Matt Rossi, 6-3, 185, QB, Palatine
Sammy Santana, WR-DB, 5-9, 160, St. Louis, MO MICDS
Derek Schneeman, 6-2, 195, QB, Streator
Alex Siempelkamp, 5-10, 180, QB-S, Taylorville
Connor Smith, 5-8, 195, LB-FB, Edwardsville
Joe Spindler, 6-0, 185, LB-TE, Hononegah
Nick Welch, 6-3, 190, QB, Oswego
Ryan Williams, 5-8, 165, WR, Lockport
Matt Yeske, 6-0, 205, LB-OL, Hononegah

[augiefan]

Thanks Dansand for posting the list of ASugie's 2009 FB recruits. Unlike the BB recruits it's pretty hard to get a read on whether any of vthe FB recruits are likely to help anytime soon. Unlerss their are some exceptional skill position players in the frosh class, it's unlikely any of these recruits will help much this season.

The coming season looks a little suspect for Augie with only 13 returning starters, and big hole to fill at QB, with graduated Tim Podulka having taken nearlty every snap last season. Who is the frontrunner for the starting QB job at Augie this season? Is that individual capable of helping Augie challenge for the number 3 spot in the conference? NCC and Whaeton are once again the clear favorites, but the 3rd thru 6th spots look wide open.

[79jaybird]

I think there is only 1 clear favorite and that is at the top.  I think slots 2-7 could be any team.  NC is looking pretty scary as they are stacked at all the skilled positions which from my game experiences,  wins that overtime or 4th Qrtr comeback  game.